On Sunday, ASJ Soyaux (D1) defeated a brave and valiant team from Saint-Denis 5-0 in the 1 / 16th finals of the Coupe de France. The offensive recruit of Soyaux, Franco-American Danielle Tolmais, has notably scored a hat-trick. Hearts of Football went to meet him after the match.


Football hearts: Danielle, what can you tell us about this match?

Danielle Tolmais: It was hard, it was not easy at all! Saint-Denis is a good team, they fought well but we too. We scored quickly, at half-time we led 3-0, so we can not let them hope.


CDF: The players of Saint-Denis played a lot on the physical but at the same time we felt that they had many gaps?

Yes, it was not a very technical game, but more combative, all the time. In the first half we had to hold the shock, but in the second half we got used to it and it went better. Yes, it was a very good match for us, to prepare the next match. We can bring this same intensity.


CDF: It was also felt that you had trouble finding you, that there was a lack of cohesion?

Yes that's true, because it's the kind of game we do not play in the league. It was very different. At first they were eight to defend in front. Our tactics work well against D1 teams. But against teams like Saint-Denis it's very different. So we needed to find the rhythm but it was not easy. But the most important thing is to score goals and win.


CDF: Was it your second or third match with Soyaux?

It was my third! I played in all one league match and two of Coupe de France. But against Saint-Denis, I was titular for the first time.


CDF: In addition you scored a hat-trick so you have to be even more proud?

Yes (laughs), I hope I will continue to hold! My job here at Soyaux is to score goals. I'm focused on that. The other girls too because it's not just me who scores, the other girls score too. I'm happy if one of my teammates scores and not just me. But I'm very happy with my triplet (laughs).


CDF: How is your integration in Soyaux? You who come from the United States and who discovers the French championship.

Very good. People in Soyaux are all super nice. People help me a lot. And from my first training, the girls made me feel that I was already part of the team. Sébastien Joseph (the coach of Soyaux, ed) also helped me a lot in this way. We have already started the second part of the championship and I already feel like part of the team. And that's fine for me.


CDF: It's true that you made your way very quickly, so now you have to assume! Because next week you will face Fleury in the league!

Yes, it's not easy for sure but my goal is to start all matches and finish them all. If I can. If I'm a starter it's great, I'll do everything I can to fight and score goals for the team.


CDF: We see that you have a very physical game! You come from the United States, are you trying to bring this style of play and your winning mentality to your teammates?

Yes, it's true ! In the USA it's a little different. Me, in my head, I always think of scoring goals, without necessarily trying to make the technical gesture. We are the direct, effective game and our style of play is more combative. And it's a good mentality. Me, I learn all the time things of my teammates and this is the most important. We can learn each other from each other. And we become stronger together. The players each have their style of play, their mentality and that's good.


Reporter: Danielle, how are you doing with girls like Laura Bourguoin, Pamela Babinga? I'm thinking of Laura, who knows how to give balloons.

Yes of course, it's an honor to play with players like Laura and Pam. I think all three of us have a good "connection". When I arrived here, we thought maybe I was there to be the substitute for one of these players. But this Sunday we were all three on the ground. We played very well together and with Laura Bourguoin in this role of number 10, it went very well. And I think it will work very well like that against Fleury next week. We'll see !